Tourist Attractions & Monuments Finland

This former Franciscan monastery, built at the end of the 15th century and inaugurated in 1512, is a must see! After Luther's meeting with King Vasa of Sweden in 1538, the latter opted for the Reformation. The whole kingdom had to convert. The monks are thus driven out, but the church remains. In 1891, the church was restored and the medieval frescoes covered since the Reformation were discovered. In excellent condition, they give a very singular character to the place. Admire the medieval triptych, the altar imported from Germany, the 17th century chandelier and the organ at the end of the 18th century.

In an old warehouse on the Eteläranta, converted into a museum in 1981, it is located in the centre of the town on the Kokemäki River. Most of the works come from a collection of the Mayor Gullichsen Foundation. This museum of modern art is known for its exhibitions of international contemporary art. Since the beginning of the 1990s, the museum has also been developing art education based on contemporary art. Beautiful temporary exhibitions as well.

The Satakunta Museum presents a panorama of Finnish history and culture in the city and region from prehistoric times to the present day. The second floor features an interesting miniature reconstruction of old Pori. The on-site archives include no fewer than 300,000 photographs, maps and architectural drawings, and the collections include over 80,000 objects and items. This is an interesting and inspiring museum for young and old alike. There's also a gift store.

The University of Turku has a branch in Ruissalo, where you can find a magnificent botanical garden. On the spot, there are no less than 5,000 species, a beautiful living showcase of the biodiversity of the plant world with, in addition, vegetable gardens (aromatic and medicinal herbs), crossbreeding of new vegetables, fruits and berries. The neighbouring rose garden displays old-fashioned rosebushes, some of which were already in bloom in the 17th century!

The black sailing ship, the Sigyn, launched in 1887 in Gothenburg, was bought by Finland in 1927. It is the only cargo ship with wooden sails (oak and pine) still in existence. Other ships are to be seen, such as the Suomen Joutsen (literally the "Swan of Finland"). This ship came out in 1902 from the French shipyards of Saint-Nazaire under the name of Laennec. After having circumnavigated the world 9 times, she was used as a training ship for future sailors.

The President of Finland spends his summer holidays in Naantali, enjoying the park and the beautiful rose garden (650 m²) in the Kultaranta Gardens. Every year the site attracts about 20,000 visitors. Today it is one of Finland's built cultural sites of national interest. The building belonged to Alfred Kordelin, who had it built in the early 1910s, and later belonged to the University of Turku before it was taken over by the state.

Tove Jansson originally invented the Moumines (Muumi in Finnish) during the Second World War, so that children could escape to a lighter world. It was originally a comic book that was all the rage in the Nordic countries, and then the Moumines developed into a television programme. The Finns have recreated the world of these characters with attractions and shows in Naantali, on the island of Kailo. The Japanese love... But you too will be seduced by these endearing hippopotamus-looking characters!

In the heart of a beautiful park, the beautiful church with exposed pink granite stones, built between 1443 and 1462, slightly overlooks the surrounding waters. Built at the base to serve the order of Sainte-Brigitte, it is today the only vestige of the convent of the brigitinnes. It is also one of the oldest medieval constructions in the country. Belfry late 18th century of Baroque inspiration. During the ruska (autumn and its bright colours), the colours are splendid. On summer evenings, vespers are announced at 8 pm by a trumpet.

Built below the large 1861 Samppalinna windmill (one of Turku's most typical sights) and surrounded by greenery. A modern white stone building presenting a panorama of various trends in contemporary painting and architecture. The national figure of sculptor Aaltonen (1894-1966) dominates the ensemble. In particular, he celebrated in stone the patriots and heroes of the young, independent Finland (see the statue of the national sportsman, Paavo Nurmi, in Helsinki or The Wooden Floaters in Tampere).

The most beautiful white sandy beach in the archipelago to swim in peace and quiet (calm and shallow water), or even spend the night at its friendly campsite.

The impressive ruins by the width of its red granite stones of a vast fortress built by the Russians between Finby and Prästö. The French and English destroyed it during the Crimean War in 1854. A possible opportunity for a 13 km walk between Bomarsund and Kastelholm Castle. Count 4 hours of walking on a well signposted route. Opposite, on the island of Prästo, is the small museum of Bomarsund where the results of the excavations are housed.

At 99 m, the summit offers exceptional views of the north of the island. It is the second-highest hill on the Aland Islands. Sweden to the west is not far away after all. Two recommended walks: the 1 km troll trail, perfect for children, and a 5 km path starting from the Soltuna panoramic restaurant and leading to a natural cave called Djupviksgrottan: an absolutely magnificent stroll through incredible rocky scenery. Be careful, though: in wet weather, it's very, very slippery!

The building was designed by Engel. It represented the far west of the Russian Empire, so it had to be grandiose. It houses a café, post office, art gallery and museum. The small museum, open from mid-May to mid-September, is housed in the former Post and Customs House. If you're an artist looking for a place to work over the summer, you can even take up artistic residency in the building!

Kastelholm Castle is housed in a late 14th century enclosure built on Sund Island where you can enjoy guided tours (about 45 minutes) or self-guided tours if you prefer to go at your own pace. The plus: a pirate route adapted for children, a good way to interest them and to avoid them getting bored. If the weather is good and you have time, take a short detour to Jan Karl's farm (Jan Karlsgården), right next to the fortress. All the typical buildings of the archipelago are represented.

This beach is next to the site of the same name. Pontoon, rafting, sauna and even equipment.

Two beaches in Marieham. The one on the small island, a white sand beach where children have fun with ducks, curious feathered hens and other domestic fowl. The beach is equipped with a pontoon, a diving raft, a rustic boat and swings. Café open in summer. A little further on is the Green Point beach (Gröna Udden). This beach is located next to the campsite of the same name. Pontoon, raft, sauna and even equipment.

Recently renovated and adjacent to the local history museum, the art museum brings together works from the 20th and 21st centuries with temporary exhibitions. The Åland Islands have always attracted artists and some famous painters have made the Åland Islands their home, including some beautiful paintings by Joël Pettersson (1892-1937), Victor Westerholm and Guy Frisk. The museum of local history allows you to discover the history of the islands.

This fully renovated museum traces Åland's maritime history. Beautiful figureheads and model ships. Visit the magnificent sailing ship Pommern, a superb four-master with 29 sails. Built in Scotland by a German company, she first sailed in 1903. She was purchased in 1923 by Gustaf Erikson in Mariehamn. During the Second World War, the yacht sailed between England and Australia before returning here. One of the largest sailing ships in the world, it is now moored in the West Harbour and converted into a museum.

In the summer of 1886, the Finnish painter Victor Westerholm (1860-1919) invited artist friends to his house on the Åland Islands. This was the beginning of the "Önningeby Colony", which lasted 30 years. The artists moved to surrounding farms where the omnipresence of nature inspired them. The museum retraces this adventure: lifestyle and works. Contemporary art exhibitions, poetry evenings and music concerts. Café and shop.

Housed in a former tramway repair workshop, this "cultural factory" offers several exhibition spaces, concert/theater halls and a bookshop. These yellow buildings in the middle of a quiet neighborhood are home to one of Scandinavia's largest cultural spaces. You can also simply enjoy the trendy bar and listen to the latest summer DJs, or work in its public workspace, "le troisième espace". Beware, there's a lot of work going on in the area!

This 1,530 km² park is worth a visit to walk through part of its "grand canyon", which is 40 km long and 80 m deep. It is the biggest natural attraction in Northern Lapland. It should be visited from the north, near the narrow Kevojoki River, to enjoy the most beautiful panorama of Kevo. There are many marked hiking trails to explore the park and the area. Be sure to check out the 26-metre Fiellu Falls.

It is the largest national park in Finland. There are 60 km of marked trails. The Viipus cliffs are the most impressive attraction of the park, falling 450 m into the river.

Boat tours along the river. Duration 3 hours. Possibility of one way only, if you want to hike afterwards.

Gold digger. Information at the Kaija or Ahkuntupa workshop. Gold mines are exploited by some assiduous researchers.

It is full of treasures for sporty hikes. The most impressive site is certainly Helvetinkoulu, a deep break through which one reaches the lake from the top of the cliff. There are many facilities for camping and preparing meals, including one by the beach. The landscape is diverse, with rocks, cliffs, lakes, rivers, swamps, dense forests, and even a beach. In summer and winter, the park has incredible and magnificent landscapes. We love it!

Torronsuo Mire National Park is one of the largest and most impressive marshes in Southern Finland, covering an area of 30 km². It is an ideal destination for a multitude of outdoor activities (short hiking trails, or trails ranging from 5 to 15 kilometres, marked cross-country ski trails). With its tracks built on the marshes, this park is a good place to observe migratory birds, several species of which stop to rest on the mud, such as cranes and geese.

Helsinki Cityride offers you to discover the city in a thousand ways, especially by Nordic walking. For those who are not familiar with it, it is a dynamic walk with specially designed poles. Through several tours, it is a good way to combine sport and culture, as the guide accompanying you will introduce you to the city as well as the Finnish way of life. It is possible to do the tours in English. Other possibilities for excursions by sailing boat or even hot-air balloon!

This quality Saami handicraft shop is ideally located on the shores of Lake Kuivajärvi. In a hexagonal chalet in the heart of the reindeer farm is the art gallery, where handmade creations made from reindeer antlers, horn, leather, wool, etc. are on display, including a wide selection of traditional jewellery. In winter, the gallery is open on request. The owners also organize visits to the village, or various activities in the surroundings, guided by local partners.

For fishing enthusiasts and wild nature, follow the 60 km trail to Pulmankijärvi near the Norwegian border. Canoe enthusiasts (experienced) will embark on the loop of Sevettijärvi.

At the heart of this house, as its name suggests, you'll discover the northern lights. We start with the history of the aurora borealis, with a 45-minute film and photos explaining the ancient beliefs surrounding this phenomenon, right up to the latest scientific studies. If the weather and all other conditions are right, they also organize evening excursions to admire them, as the surrounding area is free of light pollution. A unique opportunity to learn more about a wonderful natural phenomenon!

The Vanha Kirkko Church is located outside the town and is surrounded by greenery and trees. Built in 1689, it is one of the oldest and best preserved churches in Lapland, and even in Finland, as it was spared the rout of the German army. At the time, it was only the third church built in Lapland after Inari and Kemijärvi. It is made of wood and has a roof of wooden scales in the shape of an overturned boat.

Here you will find information about the amethyst mine, the Northern Lights House, the Reindeer and Lapp statue to see in the area and information about all the activities to do. There is information on snowmobile safaris, ice fishing, canoe rental and tours, bicycle rental or hiking and biking trails... Worth a visit: upstairs is a beautiful art gallery with works by local Saami artist Andreas Alariesto.

Completed in 1987, this magnificent church will finish by immersing you in the atmosphere of the Great North. The exterior already surprises: all in wood, with the shape of a chalet, it seduces you right away! This church was not built for Russian nationals, but for the Saami skolts. The latter fled the Petsamo region after the arrival of the Soviets and the catastrophic development of nickel mining. There is also a community of Saami skolts in Sevettijärvi, further north.

Ivalo was a gold mining town in the 1870s. The gold- and platinum-bearing Ivalojoki River attracted dozens of gold seekers in search of their fortune. Several symbols can be seen in Ivalo today. A statue of six gold miners at work stands in front of the Kultahippu ("gold nugget") hotel, while a giant Finnish sieve stands on Ivalo's northern traffic circle.

To find out more, visit the Gold Prospector Museum in Tankavaara, 60 km south of Ivalo.

This sculpture depicts 3 men and a woman holding a child. This monument commemorates the evacuation of the Petsamo (now Russian) region between 1920 and 1944. In the 1920s, this formerly Finnish region, populated by Sami Skolts, was annexed by the Soviets. The Treaty of Paris (1947) confirmed the annexation. During these 20 years, the Finnish population, mainly Skolt Sami, left the region, settling on the other side of the border, east of Lake Inari, in the villages of Nellim and Sevettijärvi.

The 142 km2 Pyhä-Luosto National Park^offers magnificent hiking trails through rugged mountains and deep gorges. The park's mountains are reputed to be the oldest in the world, dating back 2 million years! A 5 km loop trail begins at the Naava Visitor Center. There are several other trails ranging from 10 km to 30 km. There are also 150 km of cross-country ski trails.

The Taideomuseo, the museum of fine arts, offers temporary exhibitions only. They change every two months. They focus mainly on the exhibition of contemporary art, printmaking and Central Finnish art. On the first floor, the main Taika room is used for various workshops and public courses. For information about the various workshops and other events, please visit their website.

This open-air museum reconstructs a traditional village with its various wooden houses (granary, mills, grocery store) and exhibits old-fashioned crafts. You will discover and learn about the rural life of Virrant between the 19th and 20th centuries, but also about the life of the loggers and other forestry work in the 1950s and 1960s. You can then shop in the small souvenir shop or/and have a lunch break in the restaurant.

In a brand-new building, entitled Alto², visitors will be able to contemplate the site's two permanent exhibitions: the first, entitled "Exploring central Finland", and the second, "AALTO, work and life", obviously dedicated to Alvar Aalto. Numerous temporary exhibitions are already planned for the coming years, promising a cultural and artistic revival worthy of the genius of this unique Finnish architect. Not to be missed if you're in the area, and to be combined with the museum of the same name (near Helsinki).

Completed in 1966 to designs by Reima Pietilä, it's certainly one of the country's most impressive churches. Its fish-inspired exterior initially gives the impression of a large, boring high-rise building. Once inside, however, what a surprise to discover no pillars at all! As for the exceptional acoustics, combined with the incredible luminosity and purity of lines, the result is a great sense of freedom! A benchmark in contemporary sacred architecture, it can accommodate 1,120 worshippers.

Built in 1907 according to the plans of the architect Lars Sonck (1870-1956). It is one of the most representative examples of the Finnish National Romantic style with its grey granite and spectacular open nave. The other frescoes depict twelve naked boys wearing a garland of roses symbolizing the weight of the earthly miseries. On the ceiling, angel wings, the flag bearers of goodness, flutter around an apple snake, symbol of evil. Amazing and quite rare.

The museum presents the living conditions of the workers in the 1880s. You can visit more than thirty dwellings such as the cooperative, the paper mill, the bakery, the shoemaker's workshop, the wood shed and the traditional sauna. After the visit, you can have a drink in the café of the Amurin Helmi Museum (open even in winter) or in the Amurin café where it is possible to have lunch. Guided tours are also available.

A combination of exhibitions, workshops and expertise are on display in the Museum of Crafts and Clothing. Three permanent exhibitions are installed and explore the techniques and skills of Finnish craftsmen between tradition and modernity. Festive costumes from the past are also on display, especially those from the 18th and 19th centuries. These objects are often successful, especially in terms of designwhere, once again, the country shows real talent.

This park is full of activities! First there's the Dinosauria amusement park, featuring life-size dinosaurs and a water park (open only in summer). Then there's the Wax Museum, where you'll find frozen images of the country's most important personalities. Last but not least, the Automobile Museum exhibits beautiful vintage cars. Also in the park: restaurants (to suit all tastes), mini-golf, tennis courts, a campground and comfortable chalets.

It's a friendly market, more lively in summer than out of season, of course, and was already active in the Middle Ages. Here you can sample muikku (small fish), rieska (unleavened bread) and kalakukko (filled rolls), among other delicacies.

The covered market is also worth a visit. It has just celebrated its 100th anniversary, and is located inside a large, modern shopping center. It's open Monday to Friday, 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 7.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Savilahdenkatu 6).

Created in 1982, the museum presents the evolution of the Finnish infantry from the 1890s to the present day. The permanent exhibitions are very interesting around the history: that of the road to independence in 1918, then the years 1920-1930 before treating more particularly the Second World War. It's not only for history buffs! We advise you to book a guide in advance... South of the Infantry Museum, in Urpola, continue your visit by taking a look at the nature park (Luontokeskus).

The museum is located in the former school from which Field Marshal Mannerheim and his staff led the military operations against the Soviets. During the Second World War, the Finnish General Staff was based in Mikkeli. The town was ideally situated for the commanders, as it was at a good distance from all the fronts. On the spot, you can see the Marshal's office and an audio-visual programme on the activities of the General Staff.

The museum offers a collection of 400 mechanical musical instruments from around the world. A guided tour in English (1 hour) is included in the entrance fee. It was born from Liisa and Jürgen Kempf's passion for music and antiques. Originally from Germany, the couple were used to this type of museum in their home country and when they arrived in Finland, they wanted to share their passions. The museum was opened in 1981 with, at the beginning, 70 instruments on display.

The museum presents the history of the region, with traditional objects related to history, war traditions, religious art, folklore and a section of modern art. An interesting miniature of the town of Viipuri (Vyborg) from 1939, before its annexation by the USSR, is on display. Before the Second World War, Finland included the town of Viipuri and a large part of Lake Ladoga. Viipuri was the country's second-largest city, with 86,000 inhabitants.

Built in the ^18th century, the building overlooks the town and Lake Saimaa. The fortress housed a prison camp after the civil war. Nearly 3,000 Red Guards were imprisoned here, 500 of whom were executed. Magical in winter, with its old houses, cobbled streets, light mist, the cold that grips you and the beauty of the surrounding parks. In summer, the brightness of the colors gives the place an even different face. The fortress houses three museums (South Karelia Museum, Fine Arts Museum and Cavalry Museum), stores and cafés.

The Finnish Air Force has taken over the place. Opened in 1979, it officially became the Finnish Air Force Museum in 1987. On the spot, enthusiasts of old cuckoo clocks and newer fighter aircraft will be served. The evolution of air armament since the country's independence also speaks of the economic take-off in Finland in a century. The plus: the possibility of flying on a simulator. Cafeteria and shop on site. Events are regularly organised, more information on the website.

A few steps from the centre of Lahti, at the sports complex, is this strange museum. The ski museum describes Finnish winter sports: from ice hockey to ice skating and skiing. You can discover amazing activities all on ice or snow. All this, with an interactive part and the projection of a film on the history of Nordic skiing in Lahti since the 1920s. A lift takes you to the top of the ski jump. Impressive! Seen from here, you realize the magnitude and height of the ski jump!